Air-Fryer Homemade Onion Powder: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making onion powder in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to preserve onions. The process involves drying sliced onions in an air fryer, and then grinding them into a powder. The result is a flavourful seasoning that can be used in various dishes.

Preparing the onions

Firstly, select your onions. The type of onion you choose will impact the final flavour and carb count of your onion powder. For example, green onions or scallions have the lowest carb count, while red onions are the sweetest.

Once you have chosen your onions, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Remove any dirt by washing the onions and then pat them dry. Next, use a sharp knife to carefully peel away the outer layer of skin. Cut the onion in half and remove the stem.

Now you are ready to slice the onions. For air-drying, slice the onions into thin flakes and separate each layer. It is important that the onion slices are as uniform as possible to ensure even drying. If you are using a food processor or blender to slice the onions, aim for medium slices that are not too thick.

Place the sliced onions on a clean muslin cloth or kitchen paper and leave them to air dry for 2-3 hours. This step is important to remove any excess moisture before placing the onions in the air fryer.

After the onions have air-dried, you are ready to begin the dehydration process in the air fryer. Place the onion slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer with no overlapping. Set the temperature to between 80-125 degrees Celsius.

During the dehydration process, it is important to stir the onions every 15-30 minutes to ensure even drying. The total dehydration time will vary depending on the moisture content and thickness of your onion slices, but it can take up to 6 hours or more. You will know the onions are ready when they are rock hard and crumble easily.

Once the onions are fully dehydrated, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Drying the onions

First, prepare your onions by removing the root, top, and skin. Wash the onions and pat them dry. You can use a grater or a chopper to cut the onions into fine, uniform pieces. Uniform pieces will help ensure even drying. Place the diced onions on a clean cloth or paper towel and let them air dry for 2-3 hours.

Next, place the onions in the air fryer basket. There is no need to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 80 degrees Celsius or 125 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also try a higher temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, but be careful not to burn the onions.

During the drying process, stir the onions every 15 minutes to ensure even drying. You can also check halfway through to ensure that none of the onions are stuck to the air fryer or to each other. If necessary, continue drying for another 10-15 minutes or until the onions are fully dry. The onions should be crispy and crumble easily when dry.

Once the onions are dry, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Place the dried onions on a dry cloth and leave them overnight to ensure they are completely cool and dry.

Storing dried onions:

Place the dried onions in an airtight container, such as a mason jar. You can store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, for up to two years. To help absorb any excess moisture, you can add a few grains of uncooked rice to the container.

Tips:

• If you want to speed up the drying process, cut each slice of onion into thirds.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• You can also use an oven, food dehydrator, or freeze dryer to dry onions, but these methods may take longer.

Grinding the onions

The grinding process will be easier if the onions are cut into uniform pieces before drying. For a finer powder, use a mortar and pestle or pulse the onions in a food processor. Larger pieces can be reserved for soups or cooking, or pulsed into flakes for dried onion flakes.

If you are using a blender or food processor, be sure to let the grinding process go until a smooth powder is formed. This may take some time, depending on the power and quality of your machine.

Once the powder is ready, it can be stored in an airtight container. It will last for about 6 months on the shelf but can be stored longer if vacuum-sealed or packaged with an oxygen absorber.

Storing the powder

It is important to store your onion powder in an airtight container. This will ensure that the powder stays dry and does not absorb moisture from the air. If moisture is absorbed, the powder may become lumpy or develop an undesirable texture. You can use glass spice jars, mason jars, or any other glass jar that can be fully closed.

To further prevent moisture absorption, you can add a few grains of uncooked rice to the onion powder. The rice will help absorb any excess moisture. Additionally, you can vacuum seal the container or use mylar bags with an oxygen absorber for long-term storage.

Properly stored onion powder can last for several months to a couple of years. The shelf life depends on various factors, such as the humidity of your environment and how well the onions were dehydrated. It is recommended to store the onion powder in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Do not store it in the refrigerator, as the powder will absorb moisture.

If you notice any changes in smell, taste, colour, or texture, discard the onion powder as it may have gone bad.

Uses for onion powder

Onion powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes. Here are some common uses for onion powder:

• Soups and Stews: Onion powder is often used in soups and stews to add a rich, savoury flavour. It dissolves quickly and evenly, distributing its flavour smoothly throughout the dish.
• Sauces and Marinades: Onion powder can be mixed into sauces, marinades, and salad dressings to enhance their flavour. It is a great way to add the taste of onions without the texture.
• Spice Rubs: Onion powder is an essential seasoning for spice rubs, especially those meant for meat, like barbecue. It can be used on chicken, beef, pork, and lamb to add a touch of sweet and savoury flavour.
• Snacks and Sides: Sprinkle onion powder on popcorn, roasted nuts, or other snacks for a savoury twist. It can also be added to mashed or roasted potatoes to bring a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish.
• Substitute for Fresh Onions: Onion powder can be used as a substitute for fresh onions in recipes, especially when you're short on time or don't have fresh onions on hand. One tablespoon of onion powder is typically equivalent to one medium-sized onion.
• Other Dishes: Onion powder can be added to ground meats for meatloaf, meatballs, or sausage. It can be mashed into potatoes, scrambled with eggs, or incorporated into casseroles, pastas, and more.

Frequently asked questions